applicably

Nemuri-neko

The Japanese sleeping cat is modeled after the famous crouching nemurineko carving by Hidari Jingoro. "Hidari" means "left" and "east", and refers to Hidari being "left-handed".
Jingoro is known to have created many famous sculptures at temples, and shrines throughout Japan.

Hidari Jingoro loved cats and was fascinated by cats. Jingoro spent eight months in seclusion to refine his knowledge and technique in wood sculpturing. He spent the majority of his time studying, sculpturing, and carving wooden cats that appeared lifelike in various shapes.

According to Matsumura, it was Jingoro's goal to carve and sculpture lifelike cats by making "utmost efforts in the future to create a new style in the field of sculpturing".

Through Jingoro's insight and new technique, animal sculpturing would take a new direction in Japan, a realistic appearance of an animal due to fine detailed sculpturing by the artist. Jingoro's approach in detailed wood sculpturing would later have an effect in other areas of Japanese art, namely, ceramic animals.

This creative attention to detailing sculptured cats can be seen throughout the history of Japan, and more applicably in the ceramic arts. It is the fine detailed realistic life like cats that fascinates cat collectors, and makes these special type of cats highly desirable and collectible.

Matsumura also states, Nemuri Neko "Sleeping Cat symbolizes Nikkō or the Spirit of Ieyasu, who was thought to be the manifestation of Yakusi Nyorai", the Buddha of Healing, who offers medicinal remedies, gives nourishment to the mind, body, and spirit, and comforts the sick and cures illnesses.

The nemuri neko is so highly acclaimed and marvelled in Japan - it is a National Treasure, and inspiration to Japan artists and artists around the world for centuries.